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REVIEW

Petrolia's Victoria Playhouse opens its summer season with take on popular production 0

Ti Eller, for QMI Agency

Friday, May 17, 2013
7:12:45 EDT PM

Jesse Grandmont (foreground) provides a heavy does of fiddling energy for the Victoria Playhouse production of Fiddler on the Loose currently playing at the Petrolia venue. Also pictured are Mark Laidman, Janelle Murray, Stephanie Cadman, Diane Chase and Alex Baerg. (Submitted photo)

The roof was blown off the Victoria Playhouse as Fiddler on the Loose kicked off the much anticipated VPP 2013 summer season.

The clock tower of the historic structure where the playhouse resides has been removed and placed into an adjacent parking lot. The pre-show audience was fascinated by the repairs taking place to upgrade the building and soon were treated to another kind of “raising the roof” inside the Theatre.

“Loose, Loose! It's Fiddler on the Loose”! And with that opening remark, we know we are going to see not the well- known musical by Bock and Harnick, but a unique musical presentation revolving around that evocative instrument, the violin.

At the helm is London's own fiddler/singer/actor Jesse Grandmont, whose talents weave throughout this well-crafted presentation of fiddle music of many genres. Grandmont's ability to play all forms of violin repertoire, from classical to contemporary to country with numbers ranging from the Orange Blossom Special to a familiar classical waltz medley.

Grandmont is supported by three female vocalists, each representing various styles of music. Diane Chase, who was seen last season at VPP, is back as the country/contemporary vocalist. Her renditions of Midnight Train to Georgia and Dance Me to the End of Love were wonderful examples of her heartfelt and moving performance style.

Janelle Murray, also a favourite at VPP, displayed her operatic abilities as the classical soloist, and brought the house down with her rendition of the popular You Raise Me Up. She also has a great comic turn in Seven Old Ladies which was a crowd favourite.

Newcomer Stephanie Cadman was superb as the Celtic performer with her absolutely first class fiddle and step dancing displays, as seen in the exciting number Bogged Down and in witty and entertaining duets with Grandmont.

Fiddler on the Loose, conceived and directed by Co- Artistic director David Rogers, features over 60 songs. The musical numbers move seamlessly from genre to genre, thanks to the considerable talents of Musical Director Mark Payne, also a London native.

Not only did Payne arrange much of the music but he also leads the band, plays at least nine instruments, sings and provides much of the comedy as well with his Minute Waltz and Trixie on the Squeeze Box.

Speaking of the band, Alex Baerg (who also displays a fine singing voice), Dan Baerg, Mark Laidman, and D. Klinger display excellent musicianship in all genres, well-timed teamwork, along with a healthy dose of humor and fun.

Wednesday was the beginning of previews for Fiddler on the Loose, and was in general a very tight, fast paced presentation. The stage, though sparse, had a contemporary flavor with the use of piping to support the lighting, which is visible to the audience.

Some minor issues in sound and lighting did not detract from the beauty and energy of the show. Opening night was Friday.

Grandmont and cast were extremely well received by the audience, who gave a long and enthusiastic standing ovation.

Even if you may not be a big enthusiast of the fiddle but you do however love all types of music, variety, Canadian talent and a healthy dose of fun, Fiddler on the Loose is a show you won't want to miss.